Exploring Twins: Towards a Social Analysis of Twinship

by Elizabeth Stewart

Exploring Twins presents an analysis of twinship considered as a specifically social phenomenon. Drawing upon a wide range of interdisciplinary, historical and cross-cultural data, Dr Stewart argues that in both traditional and modern societies, twinship represents a recurrent anomaly which calls into question the assumptions around which different types of society are organized. Part One identifies and analyses the fascinating range of cultural and disciplinary approaches to the interpretation of twinship, while Part Two considers the possibilities for a distinctively social analysis of twinship.

231 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Elizabeth Stewart is a certified fine art and antiques appraiser with over 30 years of experience. Based in Santa Barbara County and with a field office on the East Coast, she specializes in 18th- to 20th-century American and European furniture, fine art, and works on paper. Elizabeth holds degrees from Tufts University, the University of San Diego, and a doctorate from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she explored the psychology behind collecting. She appraises for insurance, estate, charitable, and legal purposes and has served as an expert witness in art theft cases. Elizabeth hosts a weekly radio show and writes a popular column for the Santa Barbara News-Press. She is the author of COLLECT VALUE DIVEST: The Savvy Appraiser and travels the country presenting appraisal events for nonprofits. A member of the Appraisers Association of America, she is USPAP-certified and actively continues her professional education. Elizabeth also consults on building collections, determining value, and planning donations or bequests.